BeBe Winans has always been a unifier, bringing people and voices together on his various gospel outings, and with his smooth, sincere vocal style, at his best he touches deep emotional territory. This set isn't gospel, but it's kin to it, consisting of Winans singing traditional American patriotic songs like "America the Beautiful," "Lift Every Voice," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "The Star Spangled Banner" in his soulful tenor. It isn't gospel, but it's the same territory, and Winans approaches it in the same way he has approached his gospel releases. The most striking tracks are the two Winans wrote, the title tune "America America," and the set closer, "Ultimate Sacrifice," dedicated to U.S. Troops. They swell with pride and hope, and are sure to find admirers. Bringing out this collection at the very start of summer in an American election year can hardly be a coincidence. It's soft, smooth, and soothing sincerity might help temper frayed nerves during a time when derisive politics is as common a sound as the chirping of summer crickets. ~ Steve Leggett